Thanks to antique dealer Rob Phillips for these photos of an antique Vigny cane; the first such example known to have been located in the history of the modern revival.
The cane is labelled
VIGNY’S “SELF DEFENCE” STICK
18. BERNERS ST. W.
and appears to be stamped “W.S. NOWELI” on top of the handle:
The Berner’s St. address dates the cane to post-September of 1902, when Pierre Vigny had set up his own academy of arms and physical culture in London’s West End.
Although Vigny’s system was versatile enough to provide protection with light canes, crook-handled canes and umbrellas, it was optimized for the specific type of cane that Vigny himself developed. In “The Walking Stick as a Means of Self-Defence” (Health and Strength, July 1903), Vigny wrote:
(…) therefore the cane is the most perfect weapon for self-defence; but in order to make it so, it must possess the necessary qualities, which, expressed in one word, is solidity.
It is for this reason that I have had a cane specially made under my directions which embraces all the necessary qualities. It is a medium-sized Malacca cane, mounted with a thick metal ball, and so firmly riveted to the cane that it cannot come off however roughly it may be used. The metal ball handle is of such a thickness that it will not get dented; but in spite of this the cane is a most handsome and elegant one, and has been so much appreciated since it has been brought out that many people may be seen carrying them.
